Atlantic 10 Media Day: Ray Floriani's Photo Essay

Brooklyn, NY - Practice is underway, but in some respects, you can call the annual media day the tipoff of the college season. Every conference has one in some form or another. For the Atlantic 10, it was a get-together at Barclays Center, the site of the conference's postseason tournament.

Media days are a chance to reconnect with colleagues, friends in the media and the respective coaches. In many ways, these days can be scripted from a quote perspective. Everyone is undefeated and the proverbial ‘hope springs eternal’ concept is in full force. The notebook can quickly fill with a litany of ‘our returnees have to step up...they are freshmen and are learning....there are no off nights in (fill in yours) conference.” That is part of the ‘scripting.’ Each year, there seems to be a topic or two bringing forth different opinions and replies. This time, it centered on the rule changes, with the 30-second shot clock a major topic.

A group of coaches as those who comprise the Atlantic 10 allows for more than just the general answers. After the formal questions and answers were exchanged, Mark Schmidt of St. Bonaventure got into a soccer discussion (spurred by the officiating stories of yours truly) with myself, editor Jaden Daly, and colleague Jason Schott, a great exchange. There were others offered by the likes of Davidson’s Bob McKillop, Dan Hurley (a devout Cincinnati Bengal fan) of Rhode Island, Phil Martelli of Saint Joseph’s, and La Salle’s Dr. John Giannini to name a few, spicing up the regular discourse of the day.

In the end, there was business to conduct, a favorite in Dayton to discuss, and the allconference selections to ponder as well, not to mention a luncheon tipped off with Atlantic 10 highlights. A five-plus-hour day filled with ‘work’ and a great chance to socialize. The games have yet to begin. Already, the excitement, thanks to A-10 media day, is generated and noticeably in the air.

Media day starts with the arrival at the VIP entrance at Barclays Center:

St. Bonaventure head coach Mark Schmidt ponders his team's prospects:

The scene from the media luncheon, always a great social part of the program:

Under commissioner Bernadette McGlade's watch, there are no cupcakes on A-10 schedules. At the luncheon? Well, that's a different story:

Editor Jaden Daly transcribes quotes from Mike Lonergan of George Washington as he discusses the Colonials' prospects:

Phil Martelli of Saint Joseph's and Dr. John Giannini of La Salle share a memorable and lighter moment:

Exiting Barclays, a site giving us memorable times in March and more on the way: